Warnock future thrown into doubt

26 May 2011 08:30

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Neil Warnock's future could once again be up in the air after two of his chief allies on the QPR board left the club on Wednesday.

Vice-chairman Amit Bhatia resigned after revealing chairman Ishan Saksena, the man who appointed Warnock 15 months ago, had been removed from his position. Warnock may have led Rangers to promotion but owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone are thought to prefer a 'marquee' manager to take them into the Barclays Premier League.

"It is clear to me from recent board meetings that my vision, strategy and direction for the club is very different from that of the other shareholders and board members," Bhatia said. "The recent decisions to sack club CEO and chairman Ishan Saksena and significantly increase season ticket prices are just two of the decisions I disagree with."

He added: "I do not wish to be associated with or take responsibility for decisions made by the board and with which I disagree so strongly."

Bhatia also revealed his father-in-law, Rangers' billionaire co-owner Lakshmi Mittal, had tried and failed to buy out Briatore and Ecclestone.

However, the family intend to keep hold of their 33% stake and appoint a new representative on the board.

Meanwhile, Rangers declared themselves "delighted" after the FA released the written reasons for the decision not to deduct the club points over the Alejandro Faurlin affair.

Rangers were instead fined Â£875,000 after being found guilty of two of the seven charges facing them over the signing of the Argentinian midfielder.

"The commission found there was never any third-party influence involved in relation to the player," read a club statement. "Therefore the charges relating to third-party ownership and influence were dismissed.

"In relation to all of the other charges, the club again is pleased there has been no finding of bad faith, dishonesty or deliberate misconduct by, or on behalf of, the club."